Blaming the Biker
Although it is never truly predictable what a cyclist will do on the road, especially if they are not experienced riders and are not wearing appropriate safety gear, drivers should still hold themselves accountable for their behavior because they are the ones who can put a cyclists’ life in jeopardy.
Responsible Riding in Washtenaw County
Seventy club riders responded to my survey regarding their practices on the road. In order to enhance their safety, every cyclist responded that they wear a helmet, glasses, and flashing lights. More than half said they wear bright and reflective clothes, half said they have a radar that alerts them of upcoming cars from behind, and several who use mirrors. Despite these encouraging results, it does not seem like it always matters.
Karen McKeachie
Karen McKeachie, a sixty-three-year-old USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic-Distance National Champion, was hit and killed in August of 2016 on Washtenaw County’s rural highways while biking with multiple other cyclists (Dickson). The man who killed her was driving between sixty-three and seventy-two mph while trying to pass her, also noting that he didn't attempt to brake.
Figure 8. Tribute video to Karen Mckeachie of Washtenaw County (GFA 2017 Karen McKeachie Tribute).
Ruby Wyles
Again, on October 25th, 2024, another well-known event happened in Washtenaw County on their rural highways: a cyclist was hit from behind and severely injured (Ulcinaite). Ruby Wyles, an Eastern Michigan University student-athlete, was wearing all of the advised safety gear and only remembers feeling that the vehicle was too close to her.
Figure 9. Interview of Ruby Wyles sharing her experience of getting hit by a vehicle while cycling (WXYZ Detroit).